In November, 2002, I was given a choice: Stay in Portland and face the uncertainties of unemployment in an unstable economy, or accept a six-month assignment in Anchorage, Alaska. I thought of the gorgeous, snow-capped mountains, the Northern Lights, and Anchorage, a city perched on the edge of boundless wilderness, and I immediately tried to weasel out of going. When that failed, I decided to treat it as an adventure, to seek out the exciting Life Experiences it will bring and then exploit them for all their worth. To this end, I'm recording my activities, thoughts, and observations in this log. With any luck, I'll have some spectacular adventures in the rugged northern frontier to report. If not, I'll just make stuff up.